Minimum Salaries Introduced in Women’s Super League and WSL 2 for First Time

Players in the Women’s Super League (WSL) and WSL 2 will receive minimum salaries for the first time this season, in what has been described as a landmark step for professional women’s football in England.

The measure, introduced by WSL Football, the new body overseeing the professional women’s game, is designed to ensure all players earn a “full-time wage”. While the exact salary thresholds have not yet been disclosed, they will be detailed when updated league regulations are published later this season.

The wage levels will vary depending on age, league, and experience, following consultation with the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA).

“This is a really positive move,” said Holly Murdoch, chief operating officer of WSL Football. “We have so many players who’ve had to juggle part-time roles while playing. Being able to ensure all our players can earn a full-time wage from football is very, very important. I would say it’s the start, as it’s a framework we can develop on.”

Alongside salary guarantees, clubs will also face tougher requirements on high-performance standards and player welfare. These include:

• A new performance wellbeing officer role, which all clubs must employ full-time by the end of the season.
• A confidential support service for players, provided in partnership with athlete-led organisation Kyniska Advocacy, to report safeguarding or welfare concerns.
• Expanded access to facilities and resources under new minimum standards.

The new regulations follow a multi-year partnership with Nike, which will see the brand supply boots and gloves to all players without endorsement deals.

The move comes at a time of rapid growth for the women’s game. Match attendances have doubled in recent years, commercial investment continues to rise, and England’s national team recently retained their European Championship crown.

The 2025-26 WSL season kicks off on Friday, with champions Chelsea hosting Manchester City at Stamford Bridge.